Online Criminal Justice Degree information

Editor’s Note: Hi Tech Criminal Justice was compensated for the review of the following website.

EarnMyDegree.com is well constructed and easy to navigate website. The primary purpose of the website is to act as a portal to online, as well as traditional “brick and mortar,” educational opportunities. While this review focuses on the criminal justice degree opportunities presented on the website, the site also provides the visitor with links to other types of degrees, such as business, education and human services. Moreover, the site can be easily searched by degree level, degree subject and geographically.

In a university setting, criminal justice is the study of the system designed to detect, apprehend, detain, prosecute, adjudicate and potentially incarcerate persons accused of a crime. For the student, the study of criminal justice can be very broad as in obtaining a degree which concentrates on the entire system, or very specific, such as focusing on corrections. EarnMyDegree.com clearly recognizes this and provides the visitor with information on broad degree programs as well as the more specific.

The website, briefly outlines how certain types of degrees maybe more useful for later career choices and assists the visitor on choosing the right degree program. Moreover, once the visitor focuses on a career track, the website makes specific recommendations as to universities and colleges. In addition to providing information on a variety of universities and colleges, EarnMyDegree.com has a learning center that answers many of the typical student’s questions.

In the Learning Center portion of the website, the potential student can find concise information on a variety of subjects: general questions as to value of an online degree versus a traditional education delivery model; career information; financial aide tips and information; and, information on using military benefits to obtain a degree.

I have two criticisms of this website. First, its strength is also a weakness. As a portal to alternative forms of higher education it is necessarily brief in its descriptions of programs and answers to prospective student’s typical questions. On the hand, once you request additional information from a university you will likely be contacted by a human being who can assist you in further exploration of that opportunity. Second, the accreditation of different educational opportunities is not fully explained.

Yes, every program listed on their page is accredited. However, some of the programs are nationally accredited by others are regionally accredited. The type of accreditation is critical to your future success. Regional accreditation is more accepted than national accreditation. That’s right – it’s somewhat counter intuitive. As an example, if you look at the requirements for employment by State of Colorado and the City of Chicago, you will see that they require their police candidates to have a degree from a regionally accredited university. Furthermore, if you complete your undergraduate degree at a nationally accredited university you will very likely find out that it is not transferable to a regionally accredited graduate program at your state school. My advice is to pursue your education at a regionally accredited university – be fully informed on issues like accreditation.

One final note, EarnMyDegree.com, in their section on online education, says that employers are becoming more accepting of “online” education versus the traditional classroom approach. Except on certain defined circumstances, the mode of delivery is not nearly as important accreditation. When you get your diploma and transcripts it will not be stamped “online.” Additionally, all accredited schools answer to an accreditation agency and must periodically demonstrate the quality of your education. For employers, the distinction between “online” and “traditional” usually rears it’s ugly head when the employer is paying for the education. So, if your employer is compensating you or “footing the bill” you should make sure they accept the “mode of delivery” before your apply for admission.

EarnMyDegree.com is a good place to visit and explore educational opportunities. If you are interested in a criminal justice degree, you should visit their section dedicated to that field. Click here to browse for online criminal justice degrees.